James B. Saylor, lumberman of Somerset, Pennsylvania, was born September 2, 1857, in Stony Creek, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, son of Samuel S. and Caroline (Berkey) Saylor. His father, a cooper by trade, had a large family, and consequently the educational advantages enjoyed by his children were necessarily limited to the common schools. After completing his education, at an early age, he followed farming for several years, but subsequently turned his attention to contracting in the lumber business, which has been his chief vocation during his life. At first he took contracts to cut and clear from the stump. He was interested with others in this line of work up to 1899, when he was elected sheriff of Somerset county for the term of three years. After his term had expired he again engaged in the lumber business on his own account, and now operates a mill located about five miles from Somerset, having but recently located there, having operated mills at other points previously. Besides his sawmill and general lumbering trade, which has become quite extensive, he also owns two tracts of farming land hard [?] by the borough of Somerset, which he farms in a successful manner, producing grain and grass. Believing in a good old-time Democracy, he votes with that political organization. His popularity in both parties, in fact, resulted in his election to the office of sheriff of Somerset county in 1899. He made a most honorable and competent sheriff and retired from the political arena to the business pursuits of life. He is an honored member of the Sons of Veterans, being made eligible by his father's service during the Civil war. He is also a member of the Order of Elks, No. 175; Royal Arcanum, No. 985; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Saylor married (first) August 27, 1876, Emma C. Lape, daughter of John and Rebecca (Hoffman) Lape. By this union were born the following children: Melda E., February 27, 1878; Nanne E., October 1, 1879; Parker, March 14, 1882; Sadie M., November 25, 1883; J. Scott, March 25, 1887; William E., April 22, 1890; Neva E., January 29, 1892; Emma G., December 3, 1893; died in the summer of 1894, aged about eight months. The mother of these children died December 21, 1894. Mr. Saylor married (second) September 6, 1900, Emma V. (Rhoads) Patch, daughter of Daniel and Caroline (Duppstadt) Rhoads and widow of ______ Patch. Mr. Saylor and his family reside in a comfortable and commodious house at Somerset, which is provided with all the modern improvements, and they enjoy the acquaintance of a wide circle of friends.

source: History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania; Bedford County by E. Howard Blackburn; Somerset County by William H. Welfley; v.3, Pub. The Lewis Publishing Company, New York/Chicago 1906

Provided by researcher Capt (#47510447)